[The study of circulating endothelial precursor cells in patients with chronic heart failure]
Insights
Circulating endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) are reduced in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, particularly those with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Age and cholesterol levels impact EPC numbers, highlighting their role in cardiovascular disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Context:
- Chronic heart failure (CHF) involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key contributor to cardiovascular disease progression.
- Circulating endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) play a role in vascular repair.
Purpose:
- To investigate the levels and function of circulating endothelial precursor cells (EPCs) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
- To identify factors associated with reduced EPC levels in CHF patients.
- To explore the relationship between EPC abnormalities and cardiovascular disease progression.
Summary:
- This study examined 41 patients with ischemic heart disease (n=26) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=15), alongside 15 healthy controls.
- No significant differences in CD34+CD133- and CD34+CD133-VEGFR-2+ cells were found in CHF patients.
- A decrease in CD34-CD133+VEGFR-2+ cells was observed, primarily in the DCM group. Age, LDL cholesterol, and carotid intima-media thickness were key factors influencing EPC levels.
- Reduced colony-forming ability of EPCs was noted in CHF patients, especially in the DCM group.
Impact:
- Abnormalities in EPC composition and quantity may serve as risk factors for endothelial dysfunction.
- These EPC alterations could contribute to pathological cardiovascular remodeling.
- Understanding EPC changes offers insights into CHF progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Abstract:
We examined 41 patients with ischemic heart disease (n=26) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=15). Control group comprised 15 practically healthy subjects. We found no substantial differences in the presence of CD34+CD133- and CD34+CD133-VEGFR-2+ cells in peripheral blood of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) but noted lowering of level of CD34-CD133+VEGFR-2+ cells mainly in DCM group. Most significant factors determining lowering of number of circulating endothelial precursor cells (EPC) were age, level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and intima media thickness of common carotid arteries. We found lowering of colony forming ability of EPC in patients with CHF first of all in the group of patients with DCM. Abnormality of qualitative and quantitative composition of EPC can be considered as one of risk factors of endothelial dysfunction, pathological remodeling of cardiovascular system and CHF progression.
